Residents of South Tampa are urging city leaders to approve the long-awaited South Howard Flood Relief Project, a vital initiative aimed at reducing the persistent flooding that has plagued the area. This project proposes a major stormwater conveyance system to enhance drainage and minimize flooding along South Howard Avenue and surrounding neighborhoods, including Parkland Estates.
Flooding Impacts and the Need for Urgent Action
“Unfortunately, the drains completely failed. The sewage system backed up, and many of us experienced contaminated stormwater flooding our homes, forcing us to remove flooring, appliances, and other possessions,” shared Kelsey Unsworth, a Parkland Estates resident who had to vacate her home after Hurricane Milton’s severe flooding. The Unsworth family, including two young children, faces ongoing stress as they wait for a permanent solution.